21
May
2026
Watch
Decision of the Azerbaijani Parliament on suspending cooperation with the European Parliament (debate)
Madam President, dear colleagues, as Co-President of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, I want to address the recent decision of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. And let me be clear from the very outset: I deeply regret this decision. I believe it is a mistake – not only in relation to the European Parliament, but also in relation to Azerbaijan's own strategic interests. Parliamentary dialogue is not a luxury. Parliamentary dialogue is not a ceremonial exercise. It is not an add-on. It is one of the few formats where difficult issues can be discussed openly – between people, between members of parliament. And yes, this European Parliament has adopted resolutions that were critical of Azerbaijan. These resolutions addressed human rights, international law, the post-conflict situation in Karabakh and after Karabakh. I really understand you, dear Azerbaijani colleagues, that such criticism can be uncomfortable. But I absolutely believe that discomfort is not a reason to leave the table and the conversation. The European Parliament is a democracy. It is a pluralistic institution. Its positions are adopted by a majority of this Parliament and no single delegation or delegation chair, no single political party or group, can determine what democracies decide. Trust me, I'm often on the receiving end of this uncomfortable position, that I don't like, made by this very Parliament. And just to remind you, the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly is not only about this European Parliament, it is about the parliaments of other Eastern Partnership countries: Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia. That's why by leaving Euronest, Azerbaijan is missing an opportunity. An opportunity to become part of a regional conversation. The conversations that are really, really relevant: Black Sea strategy, regional connectivity, Global Gateway, energy interconnections, digital infrastructures. All this we do discuss – and we discuss just recently in Chișinău, in Euronest. Azerbaijan has an important role to play in these topics, and this Parliament has an important role to play in these topics: laws, budgets, ratifications and political decisions – they do not appear from the air; they pass through this Parliament. This Parliament does play a role in deciding about future budgets or association agreements. So my message is firm but constructive: we will not abandon our values. We will continue to speak about human rights, about international law, peace, accountability and the rights of all communities affected by conflict and after the conflict. But we also say clearly: the doors remain open. The Euronest Parliamentary Assembly was created not for easy conversations, but for necessary ones. And you, dear friends, still remain our members for one more year. There is a notice period of one year before you can leave Euronest. So if Azerbaijan disagrees with the European Parliament, the answer should be engagement. If there are concerns about bias, the answer should be debate. If there are competing narratives about the past and the future of the region, the answer should be dialogue between parliamentarians, not withdrawal from this dialogue. The South Caucasus region does not need more empty chairs; it needs shared responsibility and open discussions. I therefore hope that the Milli Majlis will reconsider this decision. Azerbaijan belongs in the regional conversation. Euronest remains ready to engage seriously, respectfully and honestly, because the future of our shared neighbourhood will not be built by walking away from the tables; it will be built by staying at the table and continuing our conversation.